CONFERENCE GUIDE 28th Annual Conference and Exhibition Dental Laser Solutions Sharing and Collaborating Beyond Borders Academy of Laser Dentistry • (954) 346-3776 • laserdentistry.org 1 Mission of Our ALD Conference To provide attendees with a positive educational experience that will leave them better equipped to provide improved patient care with increased provider satisfaction. Academy Mission The Academy of Laser Dentistry is committed to oral health through laser technology. About the Academy The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) is an international, professional membership association of dental practitioners and supporting organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of patients through the proper use of laser technology. ALD is one of the largest nonprofit international organizations devoted to lasers in dentistry and includes leading clinicians, academicians, and researchers in all laser wavelengths. The Academy is devoted to clinical education, research, and development of standards and guidelines for the safe and effective use of dental laser technology. The Academy actively supports education and research through its programs, fosters dialogue, and seeks to build community among its members and dental organizations, educational institutions, researchers, industry representatives, and others who share our mission. The Academy’s official incorporation took place in 1993, following the merger of the American Academy of Laser Dentistry, the International Academy of Laser Dentistry, and the North American Academy of Laser Dentistry. 2 Academy of Laser Dentistry 2021 Annual Conference Academy of Laser Dentistry • (954) 346-3776 • laserdentistry.org Welcome to ALD 2021! I am delighted to welcome you to the Academy of Laser Dentistry’s 28th Annual Conference. This is our first-ever virtual and on-demand conference keeping in line with the restrictions brought upon us by the current climate. I trust that this will be just as effective as in-person learning, and we can still network with the online platforms. If there is anything else we can do to help make your conference experience better, please let us know. This is a new format for us all! Our theme for 2021 is “The Year of the Global Collaborations.” “SHARE THE LIGHT” has made us think outside the box to bring all of us together as friends and colleagues who share the same passion – caring for our patients. The concept is multidisciplinary to cater to today’s needs for everyone, and we cover routine to controversial subjects with multiple live panel discussions. Disciplines include general dentistry, periodontics, implantology, esthetic dentistry, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, dental hygiene, and practice management. Hot topics include treatment of peri-implantitis, cancer-related oral mucositis, and sleep-disordered breathing. Presentations feature digital dentistry, facial esthetics, cutting-edge research, new lasers, and photobiomodulation. The business of dentistry will take us through safer and better COVID-coping technology, and an understanding of billing and coding for everyday use. We have over 20 hours of CE available to you, at the time and place that suits your needs. To facilitate your virtual and on-demand experience at your preferred time and convenience, we also have some videos and live “get to know the virtual platform” social media activities just prior to the conference. These orientation events will be recorded for later reference as you need them. On behalf of the entire conference team, I thank you for joining us and making this a special event in 2021! Arun Darbar, BDS, DGDP(UK) President of the Academy of Laser Dentistry Academy of Laser Dentistry • (954) 346-3776 • laserdentistry.org 3 Academy of Laser Dentistry 28th Annual Conference & Exhibition Academy of Laser Dentistry - General Membership Meeting April 9, 2021 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm | Conducted Virtually The Academy of Laser Dentistry will conduct its general membership business meeting on April 9, 2021 during the 28th Annual Conference of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. ALD President Dr. Ed Kusek will provide an update on the Academy programs and recognize our leaders. Dr. Arun Darbar, President- Elect and Nominations Chairman, will conduct the election of Board Members and Officers. Eligible voting members present will be asked to vote to accept the nominees who will serve in the elective leadership positions for the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Members are provided this agenda by email. Agenda 1. Call to Order, Dr. Ed Kusek , President 2. Establish Quorum, Gail Siminovsky, CAE, Executive Director 3. Presidential Remarks 4. Academy Report 5. Recognition of Leadership 6. Dr. Keith Brewster 7. Dr. Charles Carpenter 8. Dr. Gerry Ross 9. Dr. Grace Sun 10. 2019 President Dr. Mel Burchman Election of Officers and Board of Directors, Dr. Arun Darbar, Nominations Chair Members receive an email with links to cast a vote for the nominated members. 4 Academy of Laser Dentistry 2021 Annual Conference Academy of Laser Dentistry • (954) 346-3776 • laserdentistry.org The Nominations Committee has nominated these ALD members to serve as elected leaders: Nominated Officers 2021-2022 • Dr. Sam Low, President-Elect • Dr. James Carreiro, Treasurer • Dr. Walid Altayeb, Secretary Nominated Directors-at-Large • Dr. Mountaha Al Hage 2021-2024 • Lynn Atkinson, RDH 2021-2024 • Dr. Juliana Barros 2021-2024 • Dr. Blake Cameron 2021-2024 • Dr. Nancy Fitzgerald 2021-2022* • Dr. Craig Sanford 2021-2024 * Dr. Fitzgerald is nominated to serve the last year in the seat vacated by Dr. Altayeb’s nomination as an Officer. The President and Immediate Past President, as follows, pass automatically into these seats: • Dr. Arun Darbar, President • Dr. Ed Kusek, Immediate Past President Continuing Directors-at-Large Dr. Laura Braswell 2019-2022 1st term Board Advisors • Dr. Donald Patthoff, Journal of Laser Dentistry Editor, Appointed, non-voting • Gail Siminovsky, CAE, Executive Director, non-voting New Business • President’s Remarks, Dr. Arun Darbar • Presidential Recognition of Dr. Ed Kusek Adjournment Academy of Laser Dentistry • (954) 346-3776 • laserdentistry.org 5 GIVING FUTURE It’s an exciting time for ALD. Our impact on students and researchers has increased significantly through your donations and the growth of ALD’s Dr. Eugene Seidner Student Scholarship and Grants Program. In 2004, our goal was $100,000. In 2012 we reached that goal. And 6 years later research grants were added. Today the funds are safeguarded to be used for future research and student scholarship. Since inception the Program has awarded $120,000 to honor 36 dental students in 6 countries. Since 2018, in just 3 years, the Program has provided an additional $56,000 is research grants to 6 researchers at 4 universities. In 2021 we honor 5 young dentists. The Tokyo Medical and Dental University Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science received $18,000 in 2019 for Dr. Sayaka Katagiri’s research and $9000 in 2021 for Dr. Yujin Ohsugi’s research, both mentored by Dr. Akira Aoki The University of Texas Health School of Dentistry at Houston Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene received $11,334 for Dr. Marcos Garcia’s research, mentored by Dr. Juliana Barros and Dr. Shalizeh Patel This year’s Student Scholars are Dr. Edmond Rexha who studied at Stonybrook School of Dentistry in New York, mentored by Dr. Chris Walinski and 4th-Year Dental Student Wenbin Feng attending Touro School of Dentistry in New York, mentored by Dr. Georgios Romanos. Student Scholars receive a small cash award plus travel and hotel accommodations typically. Since this year’s meeting is virtual, each student received a $400 cash award and a promise to cover travel and accommodations for a future in-person ALD Annual Conference. 6 Academy of Laser Dentistry 2021 Annual Conference Academy of Laser Dentistry • (954) 346-3776 • laserdentistry.org More than 175 people have invested over $237,000 to support laser education and research. ALD plans to offer research grants for many more years thanks to the generous donations. Support the program and these young researchers on April 8, 2021 at 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time for the 28th Annual Conference research track. We salute our Dr. Eugene Seidner winners. Academy of Laser Dentistry • (954) 346-3776 • laserdentistry.org 7 GENERAL INFORMATION Conference Design and Educational Methods The Academy of Laser Dentistry’s 28th Annual Conference is intended for educational and informational purposes to improve dental education, clinical practice, and dental research in the use of lasers in dentistry. Educational methods include lecture, discussion, and demonstration activities. The theme for 2021 is “The Year of Global Collaboration”. Expected Learner Outcomes Expected learner outcomes include a broad overview of the research and clinical aspects of lasers in dentistry. Presentations encompass applications in virtually all laser wavelengths for general dentistry, periodontics, esthetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, implantology, and the business of dentistry. By means of pre-recorded lectures and live panel discussions , all attendees will have exposure to basic science and clinical laser use in many areas of dentistry. In addition, the specialty nature of this conference provides a networking between practitioners, researchers, and academicians leading to new interest and scientific breakthroughs in the field of dentistry. Virtual Learning Format and